By Ed Sum (The Vintage Tempest)
So far, this year’s crop of movies inspired by video games is not making the grade. With two films out and at least three more due this year, I’m ranking the remaining couple by order of appeal and anticipation. After a lull in the previous years for the number of properties being turned into a film, I have to wonder what makes this year special. Another title, concerning a gentleman thief in an anthropomorphic world was slated for this year, but I’m dubious that it will come out in time before the year is over. I list this “Sly” film anyways, in hopes it comes out in time.
Will these features be good? Hard to say, since half the time these movies are made, it’s mostly to reignite a dying franchise. Just how Angry birds manages to stay on top after eight years is amazing. Rovio Entertainment must be making pigs fly to keep their flagship product alive. I’ve played the game and enjoyed it, but the novelty has died for me after their take on Star Wars in 2012. Kudos goes to the company for making a very addictive game (for some), and it just makes a glancing blow in making my top three of the movies I want to see.
Resident Evil: The Final Chapter
Release Date: September 2, 2016
After five films, this zombie-fighting franchise still shows it’s tough to put down the undead. Milla Jovovich looks great as always, and although the title implies an ending to the saga, to see how the Umbrella Corporation finally gets put down makes this film the number one product to check out. I’m just hoping the studio doesn’t do the no-brainer idea and simply reboot it with a new leading lady.
Assassin’s Creed
Release Date: December 21, 2016
With a name like Michael Fassbender involved, how can I not avoid this movie? The trailer just released and I’m intrigued by the premise of going sci-fi to delve into the past. Callum Lynch (Fassbender) looked like he’s being jacked into a Matrix computer system so his memories can be recalled. Just how much of this film will be set in the past looks uncertain, because this part of the story is what I’m truly excited for. The present story looks to have Fassbender do what he does best, to break the backs of new evil-doers. Although, if it’s to be ‘historically accurate’ the Knights Templar are the good guys. That’s going by what’s presented by historians than in how Pope Clement V tried to discredit them.
